Jason

Jason is a masculine given name of Greek origin. The name derives from the Greek Iason, possibly formed from iasthai, meaning to heal, and has been used in various forms across Europe and the English-speaking world since antiquity. The spelling Jason is common in modern English, with variants including Jayson and, less commonly, Jasone or Joson.

In Greek mythology, Jason is the hero who leads the Argonauts on a quest for the Golden Fleece. The tale, set in the era of kings and heroism, features encounters with the harpies, the clashing rocks, and Medea. The myth has influenced later literature and drama and remains a widely referenced cultural touchstone.

In contemporary usage, Jason as a given name has been borne by many public figures across arts, sports, science, and politics. Notable individuals include actors Jason Statham and Jason Momoa; filmmaker Jason Reitman; basketball players Jason Kidd and Jason Williams; journalist Jason Schreier. In fiction, Jason Voorhees is a central antagonist in the Friday the 13th film series, while other characters named Jason appear in novels, comics, and television.

The name's popularity has fluctuated over time, with peaks in various decades in different countries. It remains a common, versatile name in many English-speaking cultures and has also been adopted in other languages with local spellings and pronunciations.